Briefs

NEW YORK BBDO has launched BBDO Health Work to capitalize on the direct-to-consumer sector (a $2.5 billion-a-year industry) and the pharmaceutical category. Anne Devereux, president of Merkley Newman Harty Healthworks, has assumed that role at the new unit.

Knight Ridder, Media General Revenues Rise

SAN JOSE, CALIF. Knight Ridder’s revenue climbed 1.2 percent to $247 million in January from December. The company last week cited gains in retail and general advertising, as well as auto and classified ads. Ad lineage rose 2 percent. Last week, Media General also posted a January increase, with revenue up 5 percent to $70 million.